How to Wax Your Legs

by Adina Gewirtz

Tired of daily shaving? Save yourself a salon visit and get beautiful, smooth legs at home by doing your own waxing. The whole process should take less than an hour.

Your leg hair should be at least 1/4 inch long for a successful waxing. You get better results if you exfoliate your skin a day or two in advance, and apply a little baby powder shortly before waxing to remove excess oils. Never wax if you have a skin rash, infection, varicose veins or other condition that makes your skin extra sensitive.

1. Heat the wax in a microwave, according to kit instructions. Test the temperature by dabbing a drop on the inside of your wrist. It should be warm, but not hot enough to burn.
2. Make sure your legs are clean and dry. Run your hand up your leg to make the hairs stand up.
3. Using the wooden applicator in the kit, smooth a thin layer of wax in the direction of hair growth. Apply it over 4 to 8 inches of your leg, depending on the length of the strips in the kit. Avoid cuts, warts and moles.
4. Cover the wax with the strip that came with the kit, leaving a small flap at the bottom. Press the strip into the wax and then rub your hand over the strip. You should feel the wax tighten on the hairs, pulling slightly on your skin.
5. Pull your skin taut with one hand. With the other hand, grip the flap at the bottom of the strip and peel the strip off your skin. Press down on the skin to reduce stinging.
6. Repeat on all areas you're waxing. You can use a strip more than once.
7. Remove any leftover wax with additional strips, with the oil provided in your kit, or with baby oil. Tweeze or shave any stray hairs.
8. Use the moisturizer in the kit or aloe vera to soothe your skin. Keep your legs clean and dry after waxing to prevent infection and to soothe irritation.

Adina Gewirtz, a freelance writer based near Washington, D.C., writes frequently about home, health and family.